By: Card On Guard
The pool care industry has long been dominated by chlorine—a reliable but increasingly scrutinized chemical due to its byproducts, environmental impact, and health concerns. But what if there was a way to maintain pristine, bacteria-free water while reducing chlorine use by 50-80%?
Darren Hickman, CEO of Card On Guard, is proving that sustainable, non-chemical, and non-mechanical alternatives are not only possible but essential for the future of water treatment. By harnessing BioPhotonX™ UV Light Conversion Technology, Hickman has introduced a revolutionary approach to sanitization that uses solar energy to create free radicals that naturally disinfect water without the harmful effects of traditional chemicals.
But Hickman’s journey has been anything but conventional. His experience spans agriculture, advertising, and organic skincare, three seemingly unrelated industries collectively shaping his approach to sustainability and innovation.
“Looking back, it’s funny how each phase of my career—agriculture, advertising, and organic skincare—taught me something I now use in my work with Card On Guard.” He’s on a mission to reshape how industries and consumers think about water treatment.
A Leadership Philosophy Built on Passion and Persistence
Hickman’s leadership is guided by three core values: passion, determination, and humility.
“Passion fuels my energy and enthusiasm for innovation,” he explains. “Determination has been crucial, especially when others doubted the potential of this technology. Humility helps me learn from mistakes, listen to feedback, and continuously improve.”
These values were tested in the early days of Card On Guard. Hickman quickly realized that technical explanations of his technology often failed to resonate with potential customers.
“I focused too much on the technical details, which alienated people,” he admits. “I learned that telling a compelling, relatable story about the product’s benefits was key to driving adoption.”
Innovating Beyond the Traditional Pool Industry
Hickman saw an opportunity to reduce chlorine use in pools by leveraging a natural, non-chemical, and non-mechanical process. Card On Guard’s BioPhotonX™ UV Light Conversion Technology uses solar energy to split hydrogen and oxygen in water, creating free radicals that kill bacteria without leaving harmful byproducts.
“The biggest opportunity is for the Card On Guard technology to greatly reduce the need for chlorine in all swimming pools and hot tubs as a complementary sanitizer globally,” Hickman states. “Even further, chlorine is used in all commercial building cooling systems (cooling towers), water utility processing, and even agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables that are soaked in water with enormous chlorine levels to control bacteria.”
Despite the promise of his technology, he faced skepticism from an industry deeply entrenched in chemical-based sanitation.
“Chlorine is the de facto sanitizer due to its long history of bacteria control and ease of use,” Hickman explains. “Almost every pool relies on quick, cheap, and easy free chlorine tests to confirm the water is safe. For alternative sanitizing technologies to gain ground, they must match chlorine’s cost-effectiveness and ease of use advantages.”
This is where Hickman’s strategy became clear: rather than attempting to replace chlorine outright, Card On Guard enhances existing pool care routines by ensuring that the chlorine present remains in its free form, allowing pool owners to see its effectiveness using standard test kits.
“I had to create a technology that could sanitize and control bacteria so that the chlorine that was used remained as free chlorine so pool owners could see with existing tests that their pool was sanitized using half or less of the chlorine they were using,” Hickman explains.
The Business Case for Sustainability
Hickman believes that both entrepreneurs and corporate leaders must drive the shift toward eco-friendly solutions.
“Environmental-minded entrepreneurs will drive improvements in eco-friendly practices,” he states. “And they will need passion and perseverance to do it. As bad for the environment, as plastic bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam packaging are, they are still dominating because they are cheap to produce. Entrepreneurs need to focus on affordability as much as eco-friendliness.”
Beyond innovation, he argues that large corporations have a role to play in fostering sustainable solutions.
“Large companies need to make financial commitments to these small companies and entrepreneurs to assist them in achieving production critical mass to bring down their costs to compete with these polluting alternatives,” he says. “Eco-friendliness needs to be as high a priority for companies and investors as fair trade and DEI practices.”
A Blueprint for Future Innovators
Hickman offers straightforward advice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in sustainable innovation: persistence and adaptability are key.
“There is a large consumer base looking for products to improve personal health—and if there is an environmental benefit, the potential is enormous,” he says. “The challenge is overcoming consumer habits and routines and competing against the entrenched revenue streams of existing products for wholesalers and retailers. It will take perseverance and passion to break through these barriers.”
He also emphasizes the importance of learning from other entrepreneurs and scientists.
“I often read the stories of entrepreneurs and how they started and persevered,” he shares. “It helps keep me going. I also like to read about scientists who focused so much energy on a specific topic and made breakthroughs after years of work. They say that starting a business is a lonely road. It is also a long road, and reminding yourself that there is no other way to do it is, in itself, motivating.”
A Future Defined by Sustainable Innovation
Hickman’s work with Card On Guard is about reducing chlorine in pools and rethinking how industries approach water treatment and sustainability. This innovation extends beyond pools, offering a vision for how working with nature rather than against it can lead to more sustainable solutions.
As Card On Guard continues to expand its reach, Hickman’s vision for a cleaner, healthier future is taking shape. With persistence, strategic thinking, and a commitment to sustainability, his work proves that pool care’s future—and beyond—can be both innovative and environmentally responsible.
Disclaimer: This article presents the views of Darren Hickman and Card On Guard regarding BioPhotonX™ UV Light Conversion Technology. Results may vary, and the effectiveness of the technology is subject to ongoing research. Consult with pool care professionals for personalized advice.
Published by Drake M.
